Deckhand
 
A “Deckhand” is the first step towards a career in the seas. The candidate carries out his duties under the authority of the captain via the “First Officer” or the “Boson”. The duties of the ‘Deckhand’ include, but are not limited to, keeping the yacht’s exterior and deck equipment clean and well maintained, assisting in watch keeping and navigation support, guest services and docking procedures.
 
Objective
 
The objective of this course is to give the student an understanding of safe working practice with regards to seamanship, rope work, steering, helping the crew, performing maintenance tasks and watch keeping. It is designed to enable the student to be certified for an onboard role, to acquire the skills necessary to become a confident, competent and qualified yacht deckhand.
 
Target Group
 
A candidate perusing a career in the sea and who is starting his training schemes towards higher levels in the future. This course provides the basics for becoming an active crew member on board of a vessel or a yacht.
 
Languages
 
English
 
Prerequisites, required skills and experience
 
There are no particular pre- educational requirements.
Deckhands do not have to have boating qualifications, but having them is an asset.
 
The student should:
 

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Present a valid medical certification for seafarers
• Hold a fairly good understanding of the English language
• Be present throughout the course

 
The student may be required to take the ‘Basic Safety Training’ under the ‘’STCW’’ – ‘2010’ – Code.
 

• Personal Survival Techniques (STCW A-VI/1-1)
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW A-VI/1-2)
• Elementary First Aid (STCW A-VI/1-3)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW A-VI/1-4)
• Proficiency in Security Awareness – (A-VI/6-1)

 
Course Outcomes
 
Upon completion of this course, the student is expected to hold the knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, rope work, fire precautions and fighting, personal safety equipment, man overboard procedures, emergency equipment, meteorology, seasickness, helmsman-ship, general duties, manners and customs, rules of the road and others.
 
Course Contents
 
This 5 days, theoretical and practical course that covers basic seamanship, the use of lifting equipment, basic maintenance routines, rope work, the basics of navigation, steering, safe mooring, emergency response procedures, duties for the lookout and the responsibilities of crew members under the ‘’Code of Safe Working Practices for a Merchant Seafarer’’.
 
Duration
 
5 days / Theoretical and Practical